Social Security Numbers

US runs with SSN. You need it to get paid, you need it to get a bank account, credit card, life, etc

The closest SSN office is located in Patchogue, NY.

It closes at 4pm, but it is advisable to go around noon and it isn't open on Wednesday (though sometime google claims that it is open)

Here are the documents you need to take to the SSN office

1) I94 (can be downloaded from https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home) 2) Passport 3) I20 4) Application Form (https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf) 5) Letter of identification (Donnie will give you this) 6) Letter of employment signed by the graduate director giving all the specifics about your TA/RA ship.

There will be a casual interview just asking about your work and PhD. Nothing serious. It takes roughly 4-7 weeks to get your SSN card. It is usually mailed to the address you provide.

You can and will start getting paid even if you don't have your SSN. But that buffer zone is only for a couple of pay cheques, after which it will be held at the HR services at Stony Brook. In the rare case that you have done all the formalities but it is just taking time from the end of the government, they have been known to be more considerate and continue paying you. It is next to useless calling the SSN office, you will be speaking to the robot all the time.